“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters In America” press preview tour scheduled for January 23, 2012New artifacts highlighting historical contributions of California Catholics added to national exhibition’s final show at The California Museum

January 17, 2012

WHAT:

Featuring a group of women who shaped the cultural landscape of both California and the nation, “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters In America” offers a rare look into the private world of inspirational women who persevered during eras when most women had few — if any — opportunities.

Through a unique collection of artifacts on loan from sister communities across the country, the untold stories of these pioneering women ultimately reveals their relevance in significant chapters of American history, from the Gold Rush, Civil War and 1906 San Francisco Earthquake to the Depression, Civil Rights Movement and Hurricane Katrina.

As champions of equality and opportunity, the sisters corresponded with President Thomas Jefferson, talked down roughnecks in the Wild West and provided the first form of affordable healthcare to Midwestern loggers. Their many achievements across a wide array of fields, including healthcare, social services, education and more, continue to benefit Americans today, regardless of faith, color, nationality or economic status.

An all-new installation was created for the final showing of this two-year touring exhibition at The California Museum and highlights the history of California sisters, who first arrived in San Francisco in 1851. The collection of new artifacts, many of which have never been publicly displayed before, includes:

Baptismal certificate of Concepción Argüello, the first California-born woman to become a nun, courtesy of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

Miniature Pomo Indian cradle basket, courtesy of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San José

Mission San Luis Rey tile, courtesy of Catholic University of America

Charter for Notre Dame University, courtesy of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

CONTACT:

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM

The California Museum — a self-supporting 501(c)3 non-profit — engages, educates and enlightens people about California’s rich history and unique contributions to the world through ideas, innovation, the arts and culture. Official home of the California Hall of Fame, the Museum seeks to inspire men, women and children to dream the California dream and to make their own mark on history. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sun.: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission: adults $8.50; college students & seniors $7.00 with valid ID; youth 6-17: $6.00; children 5& under free. Visit CaliforniaMuseum.org for more information.

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS (LCWR):

“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” is organized by the LCWR, an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic sisters in the United States. LCWR has more than 1500 members, who represent more than 90 percent of the 59,000 women religious in the United States. Visit LCWR.org for more information.